I've maxed out both Zeal and Clues (999 each) along with Kurt's attraction bar (100%), yet the last scene I get before the semester ends is the park scene where you're skipping rocks with Kurt (I don't even see the scene where Nicole explores the abandoned building) - and then, to my surprise and great disappointment, I get the "Very Bad Ending."

I maxed out all three by Nov. 25th, is that already too late? Just to check I went back to an earlier save and played through it one more time (this time getting the abandoned building scene) but still no luck :( Thanks for your reply, I shall try to max them out earlier next time >-<~

Nicole is a pretty unforgiving game that gives very few hints. I had to make up my mind very early to decide which stat to max out for each playthrough and how to go about it (and I had to use a guide/walkthrough). Sometimes it took me up to a game week or so to trigger event flags/cutscenes after I'd reached minimum stat levels.